Why it is performed
- Investigate discharge, odour, itching, pain, irritation or recurrent infection.
- Distinguish candidiasis, vaginosis and other causes; not all require culture.
- Study specific organisms or susceptibility when indicated.
- Choose a specimen from the actual exposed site.
How it is performed
A professional obtains the specimen with a swab or specific device. The method must match the question: a chlamydia PCR does not replace fungal culture, and a vaginal culture does not exclude pharyngeal or rectal infection.
Preparation
- Avoid creams, pessaries, vaginal douching and local treatment for 24–48 hours when clinically possible and instructed.
- Collect before antibiotics or antifungals where possible.
- Report pregnancy, menstruation, recent treatment and sexual exposure sites.
- Do not delay care with fever, severe pelvic pain or pregnancy.
How Askabide processes it
Combined pathway
The Askabide unit collects, identifies and conditions the specimen. Depending on technique, it is processed on site or sent to partner microbiology. The report distinguishes colonisation, usual flora and pathogens where possible.
Part is performed at Askabide and another phase or confirmation is processed externally.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| Usual flora | No significant pathogen | Does not mean complete absence of microorganisms. |
| Candida spp. | Detected / not detected or growth | Presence without symptoms may be colonisation and not always require treatment. |
| Bacterial vaginosis | Diagnosis by criteria/microscopy or molecular method | Not interpreted as a conventional single-organism culture. |
| Susceptibility testing | Only when indicated and validated | Not every isolate requires susceptibility testing. |
Important limitations
- Normal vaginal flora changes with age, cycle, pregnancy and hormones.
- Detecting an organism does not always prove it causes symptoms.
- Poor specimens or prior treatment may cause false negatives.
- Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV and herpes usually need specific molecular tests rather than a generic culture.